7 Reasons to Take an Advanced Boating Course

Debbie Hanson

10/24/2017

You've taken a basic boating course and just passed your first boaters exam. Now you're thinking about taking the next step by signing up for an advanced boating course. After all, the more you know, the safer and more prepared you'll be for any unexpected circumstances that might arise.

There are literally dozens of reasons to take an advanced boater safety course. While the subject matter of each advanced boating course may be different depending on the type of course and administrator, these are a few examples.

You can learn how to assess weather conditions based upon your observations of the sky, barometer, wind, and satellite images.

An advanced boating course can enable you gain an understanding of how gas and diesel boat engines work. This information could help with basic maintenance or with the diagnosis of an issue while on the water.

Learn how marine electronics function and how to properly maintain them. This could include wiring, grounding, electrolysis control, and batteries.

In addition to using your GPS for navigation, a boating course that goes beyond the basics, will teach you how to use dead reckoning, radar, chart plotters, automatic identification system (AIS), and other tools.

Find out how to use important offshore marine communication systems. Learn about digital selective calling (DSC) and emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB).

Advanced boating classes can help you learn about the effects of tides, current, and wind on boat piloting and navigation.

Learn how to boat under abnormal conditions (such as severe weather or rough seas), as well as what you should do when in different types of emergency situations.

Not sure if you need to take a boaters safety course or if you need a boating license to operate a boat in your state? Check your state's specific boating safety requirements to make sure you are following the legal guidelines that have been set for your area.

Debbie Hanson

Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.

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